Research Engineer

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The School of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SSET) is recruiting a full-time Research Engineer to support the growth of engineering enrollment, research activities, and our new PhD program.The individual hired for this position will report to SSET Director or designee; support faculty and staff, particularly in our three engineering departments by assisting in planning and implementation of research projects; ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of specialized research equipment and facilities; and providing training to students performing approved research in the laboratories.

SSET has experienced significant growth in our engineering programs with the launch of the new Ph.D. program in Engineering Systems, the need to support our growing research portfolio, and the anticipated growth of both the undergraduate and graduate population. In addition, with the launch of the Smart Medical Technology Hub in 2026 and the ongoing research through the Smart Home Research Initiative, Center for Signal Integrity, and smaller individual and group initiatives in mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, sensors and smart infrastructure, and AI, plus the ongoing acquisition of new research equipment in the Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical engineering laboratories, this position will play a critical role in addressing SSET's needs.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Design, perform, and/or oversee engineering research experiments, tests, and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance
• Manage projects; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of assigned projects
• Build prototypes for testing purposes; perform failure analysis, optimization studies, and other investigations
• Review and evaluate results and conclusions of research projects
• Advise faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions
• Assist in writing grant proposals
• Author/co-author on papers, presentations, and reports
• Maintain knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems

Desired experience and skills:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering laboratory operations.
• Experience and/or familiarity with experimental R&D environments in engineering.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, exercising strong organizational skills with an exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrable skills in some of the following: laboratory instrumentation, advanced 3D printers, automation systems, data-acquisition systems, software packages such as MATLAB, LabView, and CAD software.
• Demonstrable skills in data presentation and analysis.
• Experience and training in promoting a safety culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field within SSET with a preference for electrical or mechanical engineering, and at least one year of relevant experience.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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